It is almost impossible not to get hung up on the performance of Alexander Isak when considering the vast chasm between Newcastle’s ability to finish their chances across the two legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final compared to Arsenal. After the two games, the Gunners ended the tie with an expected goal value of 4.79 compared to the Magpies’ 3.34.
One team outperformed what was expected while the other dramatically did not. It has been a story that has dominated the season for Mikel Arteta as once again his centre-forward Kai Havertz blanked.
Isak is known to be coveted by Arteta, and were he to have his pick of a dream summer signing, the Swede would be at the top of it. However, the likelihood of that happening is very slim unless several doors open to allow such a scenario to emerge.
Newcastle finishing outside the Champions League places or perhaps European places entirely, and the north east club failing to agree on an extension to his current contract would open the door. Arsenal would somehow need to find a three-figure million-pound sum to secure the player, which could have significant effects on other business the club needs to do.
UEFA Financial Fair Play was a factor in why a forward was not signed permanently in the last two windows. While there will be more freedom in the upcoming summer, that loosening of shackles is not infinite, far from it.
That being said, Havertz barely had a sniff at the goal during the game but one man certainly did, Martin Odegaard. With the scores level after Isak’s goal was ruled out for the tightest of offside calls, the Gunners skipper had the chance to give his side the lead, twice.
